I wasn't sure the first time I saw it in a Jakarta Rolex store, so I walked away. Then it started to haunt me. I picked mine up in Metz about six weeks ago. It is a beautiful piece and a relief to have found it.
On the release oh the 2022 Air King I recalled watching this video. It seems that someone at Rolex also referred to this video, I hope they take some more of your design elements on board.
I love this watch, the design and the ubiquitous presence it has. I loved your review and have to agree that adding the 0 could balance the dial enormously. I bought one and truly love it. In my point of view has more “curve appeal “ than the new explorer (39 mm) not the 36 mm which is a truly balanced and beautiful watch. I feel that the air king is not as popular because it doesn’t scream Rolex but likely will be a sought classic by future generations. Thanks for the insightful review
I love that you not only point out things you don’t like but you show ways to improve them. As an owner of a white dial Thunderbird, I loved seeing it combined with the Air King. I have recently been contemplating the design of the Explorer 2 with the intent of buying one. I would love to hear your opinion on the design of the Explorer 2: 5 digit vs 6 digit model, white vs black dial, 40mm vs 42mm, Red vs Orange 24 hour hand (and text). It continues to grow on me as I study it. I’m leaning toward a certain combination but I’ll save that for now. Ultimately, I have to try them on. But, your take on them could help sway me.
My vintage airking is one of my favorites in my collection but it was humorous how little of an identity they used to have back in the day being basically a rebranded oyster perpetual.
I had the same idea of the 5 to 05, except I would get rid of the gold numerals and complete the layout with 15, 30, 45 instead. Since it’s a true and true sports watch I could do without it and have a nice symmetry. I don’t think it needs a machine turned bezel. Good design perspective though.
Interesting take on this topic !! I picked up a Turno o graph with the blue sunburst dial recently, whilst somewhat snubbed by hardcore Rolex collectors I find it a delighful versatile piece to have. Subbed recently ......your content is very well researched and gold luck with the chanel.
Dude this is nice work! I just subscribed because you gave design suggestions which I have just seen for the first time for a watch RUclipsr! Amazing closing as well, I like the analogy. Keep it up! I own an 116900 and i cannot agree more on the proportions of the watch by prepending the '0' in the '5'; I cannot unsee that now. Hope you make more videos like this.
Refreshing to hear someone talk about this particular Rolex line. I own a 14010 in 34mm with the engine turned bezel and love it to death. But I have to admit that it's a forgotten line by Rolex. The current model doesn't appeal at all to me to be honest...
Not a fan of the current crazy dial, but an Explorer-style dial with a Turn-O-Graph bezel, I’d buy one! And I’d like that bezel triangle in red too! Nice one, keep up the great work.
IDK mate. You are usually spot on. Missed it on this one. 🤣🤣 I actually love the '5'! I know I may be the only one, but the lack of symmetry here is what makes it special to me. Something quirky and different. And that simple smooth bezel allows you to go dressy and sporty. Think they had a bit if fun with leftover parts and when discontinued, will become an instant classic. (Of course I could be talking out of my arse) lol. Keep up the amazing work.
Another WONDERFUL video....great work! I work with a guy in hi early 60's that wears a mid-80's silver dial Airking.....the only watch anyone needs. I've worn Rolex watches for 40 years, and my simple Explorer-214270 is my fave....way more than my BLRO, etc. Thanks!
The blue dial with the red marker on the bezel looks amazing. I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are on the original Oyster Perpetual and its transition into the modern day iteration with modern size offerings. The modern 39mm size appeals to me but the dial on the 34mm looks better to me. Would love to see a video on it. Thanks
I have the Air King, its remarkably easy to read the time dispite the busy dial. I notice that the white gold markers is a great way to differentiate the Hour from the Minute. If the 3,6,9 have white lume paint like the latest Explorer it would not be as easy to differentiate hours and minutes. I do like the "0" to "05" idea but it will be different from the Bloodhound SSC dial and the "0" does not serve any practical purpose to a tool watch besides aesthetic. Having "05" will also be noticeably bigger than the "10" marker hence I think thats why Rolex choose to go with just "5". The turn-O-graph bezel is a nice touch but a little too busy perhaps, how about the Air king traditional engine turned bezel to differential it from Explorer and Milgauss?
Wow, Idea with "05" make sense (I annoyed me to especially after Fortis Dornier GMT Limited Edition non chronograph ) and your proposed bezel - marvellous. Rolex should see it.
I’m a military pilot and it’s the reason why I purchased 2 Rolex Air Kings. The 14000 and three 116900. I do understand it’s not for everyone and not everybody is a pilot. But I personally like the story behind the watch and what it was built for. I do like the Rolex Batman and I plan on purchasing it one day but not as much as the Air King
05 is inspired. I love the white dial (albeit with a grey triangle on the bezel rather than red). Very classy. I have been dithering over acquiring a late 50's or early 60's Air King (not many for sale). My favourite is a black dial without date, together with a black leather strap - minimalist and timeless. Great video with very interesting thoughts on a classic. Thanks !
Great job! Your redesigns are wonderful; specially the Turn o graph bezel and the 05 adition!! You should consider work for Rolex as a consultant: You have amazing fresh new and beautiful ideas. Keep up the magnificent job.
I don't mind the single digit 5 because it's at the 1 position. 1 digit, 2 digits, a big 3 makes sense to me. I really like that vintage one with the stars!
That white dial would stand out so much from the Rolex lineup, even next to the Polar Explorers it looks.... so un-Rolex, but yet with all these classic Rolex elements. I'd have it for sure. The Blue Dial also looks wonderful but its a bit closer to an OP, that monochromatic look of the white dial is just brilliant.
Rolex claimed in newspaper advertisements at the time to be the watch taken to the top of Everest in 1953 but it wasn't. The two who made it to the summit wore Smiths watches. The Rolex equipped pair who the brand had invested in and who did wear Oysters turned back with oxogen problems and the second team led by Hillary took over and made it to the summit. Later Rolex gave them both watches and they became brand ambassadors - but they wore Smiths watches on the climb. Rolex right from the beginning of the brand sought publicity and the Everest expedition was no different; and when their men pulled out the Rolex rep in India still put out a press release and the advertisements followed. Months later in reply to the Smiths company's complaints they did backtrack in writing. But they never put the record straight in public. So now instead of the truth most people believe the myth - that Rolex was worn on Everest in 1953.
You are on the right path converting the 5 to 05. The obvious repurposing of 3/6/9 from mk1 Explorers ruins the watch. Fixing that by perhaps using lumed 15/30/45, coupled with the magnetic resistance from the case, and your turnograph idea, yields a pilot's watch.
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for your hard work researching it. I like your idea of adding a thin bezel. Can be used in timing things. I am not sure if I like the newest dial or not. Airking was made as a dress watch, then now a pilot watch. I would have to spend some time with it to tell you if I like it.
Thank you for the discussion on 116900. It's much more beautiful with your descriptions. But please call it something else instead of Air King. "The world is your oyster".
Morning ID guy, I have a question on this, I like you would love a Explorer 36 369 dial. I've seen the measurement from 34.9 to 35.1. Now I have the opportunity to buy a Air King 14000 but nobody can tell me the actual size. The dealer does not have it on him, and I can't go and try it out, but I'm thinking if I can buy a 369 dial in blue it would be my perfect watch, but I have a 7 inch wrist, 36 is fine, but not sure about the Air King. Have you ever handled one?
the white dial is stunning , but the numbers on the bezel need to go the other way , so as to work as a count down , not a time lapse . just my thoughts.
With your air King redesign you just made the new breitling redesign! Yeah a datejust style whith count down bezel will be a perfect everyday dressy watch we'll done!+
Agree with you: 114200 is the way I'd go as well. I REALLY like Arabic numerals instead of batons, and for me there's some sentimentality: I had a Timex Carriage blueface with Arabics that I really liked. So I'd get the Rolex because it reminded me of the Timex!
Your redesigns are awesome. The blue dial would be my favourite Rolex model for real. I for one think the Air-king as is deserves the obscurity. It has a face even mama Rolex doesn't love...
I keep re-watching this video... trying to figure out how to get a turn-o-graph bezel on my 34mm white dial w/black Arabic 3/6/9 Air King. If that wouldn't be the ultimate Rolex heritage pilots watch... I don't know what would be! C'mon Rolex. Listen to this man!
I think “05” to balance “55” is no more reasonable than “01” to balance “11” or “02” to balance “10” on those dials where the addition of a leading zero could apply. A leading zero may clarify and bring meaning to a digital display. It is superfluous, at best, to readability on an analog display. While there is the WWII and RAF Pilots provenance for the Air-King, the dial on the 116900 bares a very close resemblance to a Rolex dial in the Bloodhound LSR. That instrument, in turn and ironically, bares very close resemblance to the German Flieger Watches of the 1930s, particularly the B-uhr. See “A Blog to Watch” for images, www.ablogtowatch.com/modern-rolex-dashboard-instrument-looks-like-chronograph-speedometer-bloodhound-ssc-1000-mph-car/, and the Laco B-uhr for comparison.
Type b pilots watches don't have "05" they have a "5" (Except a few new models designed by those more influenced by symmetry than function and tradiiton) . and the last things a new rolex design or the watch world needs is a numbered "turn-o-graph bezel and/or Stick indexes. Plus this has borrowed more from the milgauss than it has other models. Not a serious oversight but rather, a nod to consistency With traditional type b's. Look at real flight gauges. Look at 114200BLCOAO although not a type b, intentionally asymmetric. Also, apply your "Serious oversight" to another older Airking 114200. How does that work? Do we add 0's to the roman numerals?
You should be very careful, if someone from Rolex sees these they may offer you a cushy new job in Switzerland:) those mock ups would sell like hot cakes.
Totally agree about the 05. Plain 5 looks like an egg timer. ❤ bezel addition. Pack your bags. You are moving to Switzerland. Or better yet, start your own enterprise modding custom up grades.
Its as if you stole my vision . I firmly believe that Rolex explorer 36 is a perfect 'one watch for life'. If only it had that Turn-O-Graph bezel it would become a sports watch of the highest grade . And voila here I am watching you make the same comment.
The lovely thing about watch collecting is there's something for everyone. I dont understand the snobbery or the "why would you buy that model?" thinking. Its ridiculous really. I will say I dont mind the Air King and would wear one proudly if the opportunity presented itself. I think just by adding the 0 with the 5 on the dial is a drastic improvement as well. Amazing that something so small could make such a difference. Rolex should hire you because their design department is failing.
I love the mockups, IDGuy, especially the white dial and the Air King + 0 dial on the Turn-O-Graph case. I think Rolex missed an opportunity when they created the modern Air King. They simply stuck an Air King dial in a Milgauss case, and then took away the polish on the links and lugs. Rolex has a captain’s watch (GMT Master II) and a rich international lawyer’s watch (Sky Dweller), so why not revitalize their fighter pilot’s watch?
The idea that Rolex was in the attic rummaging thru great-grandma’s Hope Chest looking for salvageable, random watch components to then throw against the wall in an utterly arbitrary manner in hopes of mustering a viable watch model is, in one word, PREPOSTEROUS! And to posit such utter nonsense renders such authors instantly and terminally DISCREDITED. Now GO!
While in some ways I really like this watch, only the hands, 12 marker and seconds hand are lumed. Huge fail. And why the solid 3,6,9? It does seem like they were trying to find something to do with them. I also agree with the 05 vs 5. All in all it seems like a great design that’s still in the developmental stages. However, there’s probably a chance this becomes highly collectible down the road.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
I wasn't sure the first time I saw it in a Jakarta Rolex store, so I walked away. Then it started to haunt me. I picked mine up in Metz about six weeks ago. It is a beautiful piece and a relief to have found it.
If only Rolex would offer you a consulting contract for input on their final designs!
What a poetic intro and a gorgeous watch
I’m a huge fan of the current Airking. Thanks for this excellent review
Dude, those designs you made are bad ass. I would totally buy one of those. I hope Rolex sees this.
this dude was correct predicting lumed 3, 6, 9 and change from 5 to 05.
On the release oh the 2022 Air King I recalled watching this video. It seems that someone at Rolex also referred to this video, I hope they take some more of your design elements on board.
I love this watch, the design and the ubiquitous presence it has. I loved your review and have to agree that adding the 0 could balance the dial enormously. I bought one and truly love it. In my point of view has more “curve appeal “ than the new explorer (39 mm) not the 36 mm which is a truly balanced and beautiful watch. I feel that the air king is not as popular because it doesn’t scream Rolex but likely will be a sought classic by future generations.
Thanks for the insightful review
I would like to see a video on Grand Seiko
I love that you not only point out things you don’t like but you show ways to improve them. As an owner of a white dial Thunderbird, I loved seeing it combined with the Air King.
I have recently been contemplating the design of the Explorer 2 with the intent of buying one. I would love to hear your opinion on the design of the Explorer 2: 5 digit vs 6 digit model, white vs black dial, 40mm vs 42mm, Red vs Orange 24 hour hand (and text). It continues to grow on me as I study it. I’m leaning toward a certain combination but I’ll save that for now. Ultimately, I have to try them on. But, your take on them could help sway me.
Great analysis with the number 05. Illuminating to see watch videos from your perspective. Thanks!
Btw: your design sensibility is just so spot on.
My vintage airking is one of my favorites in my collection but it was humorous how little of an identity they used to have back in the day being basically a rebranded oyster perpetual.
I had the same idea of the 5 to 05, except I would get rid of the gold numerals and complete the layout with 15, 30, 45 instead.
Since it’s a true and true sports watch I could do without it and have a nice symmetry. I don’t think it needs a machine turned bezel.
Good design perspective though.
Good that you're not designing watches 😂
I sure hope they take your advice! I would snap up a black dial turn-o-graph version with the “05” in a heartbeat!!!
Interesting take on this topic !! I picked up a Turno o graph with the blue sunburst dial recently, whilst somewhat snubbed by hardcore Rolex collectors I find it a delighful versatile piece to have. Subbed recently ......your content is very well researched and gold luck with the chanel.
Dude this is nice work! I just subscribed because you gave design suggestions which I have just seen for the first time for a watch RUclipsr! Amazing closing as well, I like the analogy. Keep it up! I own an 116900 and i cannot agree more on the proportions of the watch by prepending the '0' in the '5'; I cannot unsee that now. Hope you make more videos like this.
Just got a call from my AD to say they have an Air King for me. Should I though???
Refreshing to hear someone talk about this particular Rolex line. I own a 14010 in 34mm with the engine turned bezel and love it to death. But I have to admit that it's a forgotten line by Rolex. The current model doesn't appeal at all to me to be honest...
jay_watch I too dislike the new one. I have a birth year, 1978 Air King and absolutely love the simplicity and elegance.
LOVE THE OLD AIR KINGS!
4:38 just coming back to this old video again after this new 2022 release haha
Not a fan of the current crazy dial, but an Explorer-style dial with a Turn-O-Graph bezel, I’d buy one! And I’d like that bezel triangle in red too! Nice one, keep up the great work.
It’s actually not a crazy dial. It’s parts of both the dials of the Bloodhound SSC project.
IDK mate. You are usually spot on. Missed it on this one. 🤣🤣 I actually love the '5'! I know I may be the only one, but the lack of symmetry here is what makes it special to me. Something quirky and different. And that simple smooth bezel allows you to go dressy and sporty. Think they had a bit if fun with leftover parts and when discontinued, will become an instant classic. (Of course I could be talking out of my arse) lol. Keep up the amazing work.
I sure hope they release that variation! I would definitely buy one!
You've sold me on the classic white dial w/ bezel. Nice.
Only found out about this watch recently, I love it! My dream watch!
Another WONDERFUL video....great work!
I work with a guy in hi early 60's that wears a mid-80's silver dial Airking.....the only watch anyone needs.
I've worn Rolex watches for 40 years, and my simple Explorer-214270 is my fave....way more than my BLRO, etc.
Thanks!
The blue dial with the red marker on the bezel looks amazing. I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are on the original Oyster Perpetual and its transition into the modern day iteration with modern size offerings. The modern 39mm size appeals to me but the dial on the 34mm looks better to me. Would love to see a video on it. Thanks
I have the Air King, its remarkably easy to read the time dispite the busy dial. I notice that the white gold markers is a great way to differentiate the Hour from the Minute. If the 3,6,9 have white lume paint like the latest Explorer it would not be as easy to differentiate hours and minutes. I do like the "0" to "05" idea but it will be different from the Bloodhound SSC dial and the "0" does not serve any practical purpose to a tool watch besides aesthetic. Having "05" will also be noticeably bigger than the "10" marker hence I think thats why Rolex choose to go with just "5". The turn-O-graph bezel is a nice touch but a little too busy perhaps, how about the Air king traditional engine turned bezel to differential it from Explorer and Milgauss?
Where can I buy the detachable bezel with the numbers shown in the photo?
Wow, Idea with "05" make sense (I annoyed me to especially after
Fortis Dornier GMT Limited Edition non chronograph ) and your proposed bezel - marvellous. Rolex should see it.
Man... I would absolutely love an air king with the 114200 dial and a turn'o graph bezel.
Your redesign is perfect, it really does fix this to be a great watch.
Amazing work!
I’m a military pilot and it’s the reason why I purchased 2 Rolex Air Kings. The 14000 and three 116900. I do understand it’s not for everyone and not everybody is a pilot. But I personally like the story behind the watch and what it was built for. I do like the Rolex Batman and I plan on purchasing it one day but not as much as the Air King
05 is inspired. I love the white dial (albeit with a grey triangle on the bezel rather than red). Very classy. I have been dithering over acquiring a late 50's or early 60's Air King (not many for sale). My favourite is a black dial without date, together with a black leather strap - minimalist and timeless. Great video with very interesting thoughts on a classic. Thanks !
Omg its like rolex listened to you with the new 2022 model 😂
The watch is a conglomeration of the two gauges in the Bloodhound SSC land speed project that Rolex was part of. That’s why it’s designed like this.
Great work again! Cheers!
Oof that new design you came up with 👌🏼👌🏼
Great job! Your redesigns are wonderful; specially the Turn o graph bezel and the 05 adition!!
You should consider work for Rolex as a consultant:
You have amazing fresh new and beautiful ideas.
Keep up the magnificent job.
I don't mind the single digit 5 because it's at the 1 position. 1 digit, 2 digits, a big 3 makes sense to me.
I really like that vintage one with the stars!
“And when you are a brand like Rolex, the world is your oyster.”
I see what you did there 😉
White dial redesign is a winner! Rolex should pay attention.
The AirKing Turn-o-graph is brilliant
That white dial would stand out so much from the Rolex lineup, even next to the Polar Explorers it looks.... so un-Rolex, but yet with all these classic Rolex elements. I'd have it for sure. The Blue Dial also looks wonderful but its a bit closer to an OP, that monochromatic look of the white dial is just brilliant.
Panerai luminor or radiomir next please.
Rolex claimed in newspaper advertisements at the time to be the watch taken to the top of Everest in 1953 but it wasn't. The two who made it to the summit wore Smiths watches. The Rolex equipped pair who the brand had invested in and who did wear Oysters turned back with oxogen problems and the second team led by Hillary took over and made it to the summit. Later Rolex gave them both watches and they became brand ambassadors - but they wore Smiths watches on the climb.
Rolex right from the beginning of the brand sought publicity and the Everest expedition was no different; and when their men pulled out the Rolex rep in India still put out a press release and the advertisements followed. Months later in reply to the Smiths company's complaints they did backtrack in writing. But they never put the record straight in public. So now instead of the truth most people believe the myth - that Rolex was worn on Everest in 1953.
You are on the right path converting the 5 to 05. The obvious repurposing of 3/6/9 from mk1 Explorers ruins the watch. Fixing that by perhaps using lumed 15/30/45, coupled with the magnetic resistance from the case, and your turnograph idea, yields a pilot's watch.
The white dial with thunderbird bezel. Period. So handsome it hurts.
Enjoying these videos - might you consider when convenient to do an episode re Explorer I *and II, both together or separately? Cheers
Looks like they heard your suggestion on that 5!
Wow. What a great video. Subscribed.
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for your hard work researching it. I like your idea of adding a thin bezel. Can be used in timing things. I am not sure if I like the newest dial or not. Airking was made as a dress watch, then now a pilot watch. I would have to spend some time with it to tell you if I like it.
I love these pieces. Hope they stay
Love the pun at the end 👍
Thank you for the discussion on 116900. It's much more beautiful with your descriptions. But please call it something else instead of Air King. "The world is your oyster".
Morning ID guy, I have a question on this, I like you would love a Explorer 36 369 dial. I've seen the measurement from 34.9 to 35.1. Now I have the opportunity to buy a Air King 14000 but nobody can tell me the actual size. The dealer does not have it on him, and I can't go and try it out, but I'm thinking if I can buy a 369 dial in blue it would be my perfect watch, but I have a 7 inch wrist, 36 is fine, but not sure about the Air King. Have you ever handled one?
If Rolex doesn't do this in 2020 then they have failed to better the Airking line.. Great vid IDGUY.
Rolex. There is no substitute.
Great GREAT episode 👍
I don’t think I’ll look at any watch the same again. Really interesting perspective and I’d be selling these ideas to Rolex!
It's not a mistake having the single 5 - it's a Fleiger and that's the design.
Can anyone help me with the ROLEX reference min 2:34
the white dial is stunning , but the numbers on the bezel need to go the other way , so as to work as a count down , not a time lapse . just my thoughts.
With your air King redesign you just made the new breitling redesign! Yeah a datejust style whith count down bezel will be a perfect everyday dressy watch we'll done!+
I used to like the Air-King decades ago, when it had a simpler dial.
Agree with you: 114200 is the way I'd go as well. I REALLY like Arabic numerals instead of batons, and for me there's some sentimentality: I had a Timex Carriage blueface with Arabics that I really liked. So I'd get the Rolex because it reminded me of the Timex!
They need to bring this watch back at a reasonable price point
The 114200 in blue reminds me on my Regent F654. Sapphire glass, 200 meter water proof and new for only 80 Euro.
Did you just compare a 80 euro watch to a Rolex? I think you're watching the wrong video.
Your redesigns are awesome. The blue dial would be my favourite Rolex model for real. I for one think the Air-king as is deserves the obscurity. It has a face even mama Rolex doesn't love...
I’d give it a B-Uhr dial and bump the case to 41 or 42 mm, but I’m happy with mine.
I keep re-watching this video... trying to figure out how to get a turn-o-graph bezel on my 34mm white dial w/black Arabic 3/6/9 Air King. If that wouldn't be the ultimate Rolex heritage pilots watch... I don't know what would be! C'mon Rolex. Listen to this man!
Thanks !!!! i was going to buy the Air King, but after seeing your rendition with the fluted bezel , i can not buy now.
Wait what. The Air-King did not go to a 36mm in the 50s. It stayed 34mm.
If Rolex released this then I’d definitely pick this over the explorer or date just
I love it!!!
I think “05” to balance “55” is no more reasonable than “01” to balance “11” or “02” to balance “10” on those dials where the addition of a leading zero could apply. A leading zero may clarify and bring meaning to a digital display. It is superfluous, at best, to readability on an analog display.
While there is the WWII and RAF Pilots provenance for the Air-King, the dial on the 116900 bares a very close resemblance to a Rolex dial in the Bloodhound LSR. That instrument, in turn and ironically, bares very close resemblance to the German Flieger Watches of the 1930s, particularly the B-uhr. See “A Blog to Watch” for images, www.ablogtowatch.com/modern-rolex-dashboard-instrument-looks-like-chronograph-speedometer-bloodhound-ssc-1000-mph-car/, and the Laco B-uhr for comparison.
I agree.
Type b pilots watches don't have "05" they have a "5" (Except a few new models designed by those more influenced by symmetry than function and tradiiton) . and the last things a new rolex design or the watch world needs is a numbered "turn-o-graph bezel and/or Stick indexes. Plus this has borrowed more from the milgauss than it has other models. Not a serious oversight but rather, a nod to consistency With traditional type b's. Look at real flight gauges. Look at 114200BLCOAO although not a type b, intentionally asymmetric. Also, apply your "Serious oversight" to another older Airking 114200. How does that work? Do we add 0's to the roman numerals?
Late to the party but omega Speedmaster mark40 schumacher please
oh man, just change "5" to "05" is so awesome.
You should be very careful, if someone from Rolex sees these they may offer you a cushy new job in Switzerland:) those mock ups would sell like hot cakes.
Totally agree about the 05. Plain 5 looks like an egg timer. ❤ bezel addition. Pack your bags. You are moving to Switzerland. Or better yet, start your own enterprise modding custom up grades.
And the turnograph bezel would also bump it up to 38mm!👍
Isn’t it the 75th anniversary of the AirKing ? Have you ever seen this watch celebrating its anniversary ??! 😄
Its as if you stole my vision . I firmly believe that Rolex explorer 36 is a perfect 'one watch for life'. If only it had that Turn-O-Graph bezel it would become a sports watch of the highest grade . And voila here I am watching you make the same comment.
Great vid.Subbed! A fellow industrial designer and watch reviewer! What are the chances👍
ruclips.net/video/QzBmQMyYDBk/видео.html What a pleasure, man! Welcome aboard! I'm sure we'll have lots of discussions to share.
IDGuy 😂
The lovely thing about watch collecting is there's something for everyone. I dont understand the snobbery or the "why would you buy that model?" thinking. Its ridiculous really. I will say I dont mind the Air King and would wear one proudly if the opportunity presented itself. I think just by adding the 0 with the 5 on the dial is a drastic improvement as well. Amazing that something so small could make such a difference. Rolex should hire you because their design department is failing.
Blue dial Air King I would buy....and your proposed bezel just adds to it....a bit of mussel!
The 5500 is the one for me.
The lume show is piss poor considering what it could have been. Rolex sometimes don’t go all in and hold back. The sometimes being all of the time.
The deep blue dial is bee ute ifful
Those intros man..
Flippin Zippo yeah, the rap 'music' is completely beneath the topic at hand
Shut up!! Omg that White dial is to die, I’d buy that with the white dial it’s superb imo, great ID guy cheers
Rolex listens. Congrats!
I love the mockups, IDGuy, especially the white dial and the Air King + 0 dial on the Turn-O-Graph case. I think Rolex missed an opportunity when they created the modern Air King. They simply stuck an Air King dial in a Milgauss case, and then took away the polish on the links and lugs. Rolex has a captain’s watch (GMT Master II) and a rich international lawyer’s watch (Sky Dweller), so why not revitalize their fighter pilot’s watch?
I love my airking......not visually jarring at all......
The idea that Rolex was in the attic rummaging thru great-grandma’s Hope Chest looking for salvageable, random watch components to then throw against the wall in an utterly arbitrary manner in hopes of mustering a viable watch model is, in one word, PREPOSTEROUS! And to posit such utter nonsense renders such authors instantly and terminally DISCREDITED. Now GO!
While in some ways I really like this watch, only the hands, 12 marker and seconds hand are lumed. Huge fail. And why the solid 3,6,9? It does seem like they were trying to find something to do with them. I also agree with the 05 vs 5. All in all it seems like a great design that’s still in the developmental stages.
However, there’s probably a chance this becomes highly collectible down the road.